Matthew Stafford Leads Rams to 45-17 Victory Over Cardinals, Earns MVP Cheers

Matthew Stafford dominated the field and was cheered as MVP after a 45-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Game Summary

Los Angeles fell into a 7-0 hole early but rallied for a 24-10 lead by halftime, scoring just before the break on a 28-yard pass to receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua finished the game with six catches for 136 yards in the first half. The Rams also added two 2-yard runs—one each by Kyren Williams and Blake Corum—bringing the score to 24-10.

In the second half, the Rams added 35 unanswered points after a turnover-filled loss to Carolina the week before. Nate Landman intercepted a pass from Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett late in the third quarter. The next play saw Stafford hit Nacua for a 31-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 38-10. On the following possession, Corum broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run, making the final score 45-10.

Stafford finished with 281 yards and three touchdowns on 22 of 31 completions. Nacua finished with 167 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Corum rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

Key Performances

• Matthew Stafford – 281 yards, 3 TDs, 22/31 completions.
• Puka Nacua – 167 yards, 6 catches, 2 TDs.
• Blake Corum – 128 yards, 2 TDs.
• Jacoby Brissett – 271 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 25/44 completions.
• Michael Wilson – 142 yards, 2 TDs on 11 receptions.
• Trey McBride – 58 yards on 5 catches.

Coaching and Player Quotes

\”That’s our guy — No. 9,\” receiver Puka Nacua said. \”Without him, we wouldn’t be operating the way we do. It’s always fun when we get to show him some praise.\”

Rams coach Sean McVay praised Stafford after the game. \”I thought Matthew was outstanding,\” McVay said. \”He was great — thought he saw the field really well. He threw the ball with accuracy and anticipation.\”

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon was candid about the loss. \”Give credit to LA,\” he said. \”They were better than us in every facet of the game — coaching, playing, offense, defense, special teams. That was very humbling. At one point, it’s 10-10, and then you look up and you’re down a lot of points quick.\”

Stafford reflected on the MVP chants. \”Only reason anyone is saying something like that about me is because of those guys. I’m appreciative — I love going to work with them.\”

Cardinals Struggles

The Cardinals (3-10) lost five straight games and 10 of 11. They were thumped by the Seahawks 44-22 in Week 10 and by the 49ers 41-22 in Week 11. Their offense struggled, with Brissett completing 25 of 44 passes for 271 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception.

Injuries

Rams: CB Darious Williams (tibia) was one of five inactives.

Cardinals: CB Max Melton (heel), WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel), RB Emari Demercado (ankle), S Dadrion Taylor‑Demerson (ankle), WR Xavier Weaver (hamstring), DL Walter Nolen III (knee) were among a long list of players who missed the game because of injuries. DL Bilal Nichols (knee) left in the second quarter and didn’t return. LT Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) left in the third and didn’t return. S Jalen Thompson (hamstring) left in the fourth and didn’t return.

Standings and Future Games

The Rams (10-3) are tied with Seattle atop the NFC West and are one game ahead of San Francisco. They have won 15 of their past 18 meetings with the Cardinals. Next Sunday, Los Angeles will host the Detroit Lions, while Arizona will travel to Houston to face the Texans.

Key Takeaways

• Matthew Stafford led a dominant performance with 281 yards and three touchdowns.
• The Rams secured a 45-17 victory, tying Seattle for first in the NFC West.
• Arizona continues to struggle, losing five straight games and 10 of 11.

The Rams’ explosive offense and defensive resilience carried them to a convincing win, while the Cardinals face a long road to recovery.